Chenango County Court Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. instructed the potential jurors that the defendant has the right to a fair trial regardless of what they may have seen, heard, or read. “If you tell me that you cannot put certain matters aside and render a fair verdict, you will be excused,” said Revoir.

“I heard so many things on TV, I don’t think I could give a fair verdict,” said one potential jurror.

“I’ve heard things, I’ve seen things on the news, I have read things. I have my opinion,” said another.

Both were excused, along with dozens more.

After the witness list was read, potential jurors were asked if they knew any of the individuals. Many shared their relationships with potential witnesses, including various investigators, authorities, a Norwich Police Officer, and numerous other individuals. Corporations, including Facebook, Apple, Verizon, and Frontier were also named to the witness list. Potential jurors notified the court of their Facebook activity, and if they happened to be a Frontier customer.